A man has appeared in court accused of torching a family’s home on Stockton’s Benefits Street.

A family of seven - including a disabled child - were forced to flee their home on Kingston Road, Tilery, following the fire at the property.

Today, Liam Mandeville appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court facing two separate charges of arson with intent or being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Damage to the house

The second charge relates to an earlier fire at Limetrees Close, Port Clarence, in November 2013.

It is alleged that, in both instances, the 20-year-old committed arson without lawful excuse with the intention to destroy or damage property or being reckless as to whether the properties would be destroyed or damaged.

It is also alleged that Mandeville intended by the damage to endanger lives or being reckless as to whether the life of another would be endangered as a result.

District Judge Martin Walker said that there was no application for bail and Mandeville, of St Catherine's Court, Hartlepool, was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on December 8.

Filming took place on street

Families in Kingston Road are currently being filmed for the second series of the Channel Four show Benefits Street which follows people living on welfare.

It is expected to be aired in March, although a firm date has yet to be announced.

Speaking after the fire on Feburary 14 this year, Julie Young, the mum of a severely disabled teenager said she had been left “frightened” for her children.

She had to take her brain-damaged son Reagan off his oxygen supply to escape the blaze.

Julie Young

In total, seven people were in the home at the time including Julie, Reagan and two of his night-time carers.

They all got out of the house without any serious injuries.

However, 14-year-old Reagan had to be disconnected from his oxygen supply in his specially-adapted downstairs bedroom.

Specialist equipment which he relies on also had to be left behind.

Julie, who is also mum to Andrew, Anthony, Lauren, and Cameron said: “I had just put Reagan on his bed and said to my daughter-in-law I was going to go for a bath.

“Just as I said that I heard what sounded like a bomb had gone off and within seconds I saw flames coming down the window.”